Zagreb, 9 July 2001 (RFE/RL) -- Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan says General Rahim Ademi is ready to defend himself before the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague if he is among those indicted by the court for war crimes. Racan told a news conference that the Croatian government is ready to help Ademi with his defense. He said Ademi would go to the Hague "voluntarily."

Ademi is believed to be among two suspects in Croatia wanted by the tribunal for atrocities committed during the 1991-1995 war.

Racan's remarks follow a decision by the Croatian government over the weekend to hand over suspects indicted by the court for trial.

Croatian media are reporting that Ademi, who is still serving, and retired General Ante Gotovina, who commanded Croatian forces during the war, are wanted by the tribunal.